Trans-Fats Declaration, Awareness and Consumption in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Hydrogenatedoil(HO) has been considered one of the major sources of artificial trans-fats that is associated with various public health problems. In the present work, a cross-sectional survey was conducted tomonitortrans- fats recording approaches in some food package(N=181) collected from some Saudi markets, 2014-2016. Assessment of participants awareness of HO and consumption frequencies of selected products that listed trans-fats in their package were also conducted based on interview questionnaires (N=302).Data collected from information existing on food package, such as ingredients list, and nutrition facts label as well as nutrition claims showed that 30.39% of the products listed ingredients containing trans-fat such as hydrogenated oil, partially hydrogenated oil, margarine and hydrogenated fats. Questionnaire data analysis showed that only 35.1% of the participants heard of HO and 4% thought that HO is unhealthy. Significant positive correlation was found between participant’s education level and hearing about HO (0.69 at 0.01 level) as well as reading the food label (0.87 at 0.01 level). Cakes, wafers and pastries were highly consumed (two-three times per day)by 37.4%, 24.5%and 44.4 %, respectively by participants. Although, one third of collected packaged food products recording ingredients containing trans-fats in the ingredients list such as vegetable fat, HO, margarine and partially HO, only 20% of these products reported trans-fats content. Therefore, more attention should be payed to reevaluate the food label legalization. Furthermore, health education programs about trans-fats sources and related disease are strongly recommended.

Assessment of Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids in Traditional Dishes, Arabic Sweets, and Market Food Products and Its Risks on Non-communicable Diseases in Lebanon

“…According to an unpublished study conducted by our team, 32% only of the products available in the Lebanese markets reported IP-TFAs on their labels (data not shown). Our finding came to hand in hand with Kamel et al ( 67 ), in which 181 food products were sampled from local supermarkets in Saudi Arabia and showed that one-third of the products mentioned IP-TFAs on the nutrition label. Moreover, while the majority of the investigated samples in our project had low levels of IP-TFAs, up to 14 g of TFAs per 100 g of food was observed in certain oils and fats sold at the Lebanese markets.…”

Non-Conjugated-Industrially-Produced-Trans Fatty in Lebanese Foods: The Case of Elaidic and Linolelaidic Acids

“…According to an unpublished study conducted by our team, 32% only of the products available in the Lebanese markets reported TFAs on their labels (Data not shown). Our finding came to hand by hand with Kamel et al [40], in which 181 food products were sampled from local supermarkets in Saudi Arabia and showed that one-third of the products mentioned TFAs on the nutrition label. Moreover, while the majority of the investigated samples in our project had low levels of TFAs, up to 14 g of TFAs per 100 g of food was observed in certain oils and fats sold at the Lebanese markets.…”

A Systematic Review of Trans Fat Reduction Initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

“…Assessment of TFA Levels in Food and TFA-Related KAB Several countries in the EMR (9/22 countries; 41%), including Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia, have evaluated TFA levels in local foods and commodities (Supplementary Table 3) (14,39,49,. The majority of available TFA content data were derived based on chemical analysis of food products (39, 49, 52-56, 58, 60-70, 72-74, 77, 79-97), while very few studies have collected TFA content data based on food labels and packages (55,75,76). Most of the available studies have reported very high levels in fast foods (fried meats, sausages, French fries), pastries, potato chips, biscuits, wafers, cakes, donuts, chocolates, traditional sweets, as well as dairy products (milk, cream, cheeses).…”